being an omegaverse scholar was all for this

[solveyou]

[In the grand scheme of things, Andrew doesn't think much about his relationship with Neil now that it's more defined. They're together. They're exclusive. That's all he needs or wants from a relationship.

When he was younger, maybe, Andrew thought a lot about what it would be like to be bonded. Media always made it seem so romantic: coming together with another person and deciding to tie your lives together. Forever. Which is, maybe, what made the prospect terrifying as he got older. It felt claustrophobic and appalling to tie himself to one person and only one person. What if he made the wrong choice? There's not many options for getting out of a bad bond—Andrew has some amount of faith that Aaron would help him however he could if he ended up in a situation like that, but still. He doesn't want it to ever be an option.

Which is why even agreeing to label his relationship with Neil was a bit terrifying. It's been good, though. Great, even. Bee says they have a really healthy relationship and encourages him about it a lot.

But still. The idea of bonding has never once actually crossed his mind. It has especially never crossed his mind while sitting around in their apartment and drinking a protein shake.]

Comments

[solveyou]

I think I would be okay with wanting to get bonded to you.

[For someone who's usually direct to the point of rudeness, the statement is a bit circuitous. He's not quite ready to say he wants to be bonded to Neil yet, but he's okay with the idea. It's more than he had an hour ago.]

I want... this. Forever.

[Andrew gestures between the two of them, unsure of how to encompass wanting the totality of everything they've been through in the English language.]

[nofoxtogive]

[Hearing the confession from Andrew nearly made him over rip the packet he had in his hands. He stopped and looked at Andrew, and carefully sat down the packet, turning off the burner.]

Forever is a long time. Are you sure?

[A nice warmth settled into the pit of his stomach at the words. Neil took a step towards Andrew a smile on his lips, one that he would be unable to bat it away or hide it, so he didn't try. He murmured.]

Yes, or no?

[solveyou]

... Yes.

[It's the answer to both questions. By this point, the specifics of what Neil is asking consent for aren't important to Andrew in the way they used to be. The fact that he still asks is what Andrew cares about. Neil knows how to touch him, and he's fine with being touched right now so saying yes is the easiest thing in the world.]

[nofoxtogive]

[Neil waited for a beat, reaching out finally to grip gently at the back of Andrew's neck. He stepped forward and kissed him once gently, and then afterward pulling back before pulling him back in for a firm and proper kiss. He had learned how gentle and when it was appropriate versus a more hard version that happened in the midst of other encounters.

He wanted to be good to Andrew, so he tried to remember all the things he liked, but wouldn't neglect the things he liked either. Pulling back, he smiled at Andrew.]

I think forever is good too.